Jerusalem is one of the most sacred cities in this world. The city of David is now at peace, keeping its bloody past in mind.
More than 100 battles have been fought throughout the history in attempts to conquer the city. The city is now the holiest city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Every travel agency has Jerusalem on the top of its travel destinations and rightly so.
You will be lost in the music of Islamic players, church bells and Jewish ram’s horn melting together to make a blend of excellence.
The First Temple
As per Bible of Jews, Hebrew Bible the first bible was constructed in 957 BCE by a King named Solomon.
As per Jews mythology the temple was contracted over the land of, Ark of the Covenant, the place where Ten Commandments were held.
The temple was built and tore up many times by many different conquerors. Last it was made by King of Judah, Jehoash by investing a lot of money. And when the Babylonians sacked the city in 425 BCE, the temple was brought down for the last time.
The Second Temple
As Babylonian Empire was facing its ending days, the second temple was endorsed by Cyrus the great.
You must have heard about the Jews holiday of Hanukah; this temple is the sole reason behind the Jewish festival.
The temple was almost demolished by Alexander the Great but was saved through diplomacy and flattery.
King Antiochus III is a big villain of Jew history, who brought Greek Gods into the temple. Antiochus III’s younger son Antiochus IV Epiphanes went to ban Sabbath and circumcision, which was faced by the uproar of Jews.
This later was turned into a revolution by Mattathias and through Jews won their freedom.
Mattathias’ son Judas in 165 BCE returned the temple to Jews community; the same day is now celebrated as Hanukah. The temple was looted and demolished multiple times after this whole incident.
Dome of the Rock
Shrine Dome of the Rock is the oldest Islamic monument. According to Islamic mythology, from this place, Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven.
However, Jewish people believe Abraham was convinced here by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the same land.
It is the third most sacred place of the Muslim community, after Mecca and Medina. Although functions of the dome are unclear, it is certainly not a mosque but still is treated as the holiest after Mecca and Medina in Muslim community.
The Christian Quarter
Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Christian quarter is the quarter which according to the Christian mythology is sacrosanct.
This place is said to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. Each year millions of Christians visit the area with the hope of seeing something fantastic and they aren’t disappointed.
Ending Words
So, this is the history of the most sacred city in this world. The city despite its bloody past can now be called the prime example of religious tolerance.
People of world’s three leading religions are living here in peace without any conflict which makes it unique in itself.
So, contact any cruise travel agency around you and book a luxury cruise to this mysterious city, Jerusalem.
